Former Spain, Liverpool midfielder Garcia retires

MADRID (AP) — Former Spain midfielder Luis Garcia, who helped guide Liverpool to a memorable Champions League triumph, has retired from football at age 35.

Garcia, who earned 20 caps with Spain, had been playing in Mexico before making the announcement on his website on Tuesday.

Garcia paid thanks to former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and former Spain coach Luis Aragones for taking him to the 2006 World Cup.

Garcia — who also played for Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Panathinaikos — says "I think it's time to end this important chapter in my life and move to the next page."

Garcia scored a memorable goal against Juventus and a disputed one against Chelsea as Liverpool reached the 2005 Champions League final, where it beat AC Milan on penalties after rallying from a 3-0 deficit.